Business Trip To Portland, Or...looking For Some Tips

[Sweetfudge]

So a quick update for everyone who is familiar w/ my situation. I just got a new job a couple weeks ago (finally did it!!!). I LOVE IT! Working for a TMJ therapy office, and everyone there is so wonderful! I'm so much happier there, being respected and validated as an equal part of a team. YAY!

Well, we're going up to Portland for a convention next week (for 4 days), and I'm trying to get ready for this. I'm totally stoked, and they are all aware of my celiac disease, but I wanted to be extra prepared. What I'm looking for is first of all, where in Portland, downtown, and near the airport is good for celiacs? Anywhere I should avoid?

Secondly, what should I bring with me. I don't know what we'll be doing as far as all our meals, but I want to make sure I don't go hungry. This is especially tricky w/ my hypoglycemia, since I have to eat every 3 or so hours. Here's my list so far, help me add to it:

Rice cakes

Peanut butter

Individual-sized tuna cans (to be thrown in the purse in case lunch is scary).

Crackers

gluten-free Oatmeal for breakfast

Maybe some fruit? string cheese and jerky?

I can probably keep things fresh if the room has a fridge, otherwise, I'm sure I can locate the ice machine. My husband suggested I make some things to take w/ me, and I think he was referring to meal-like food, or stuff that has to be kept cold. What else can I bring? Thanks in advance!

[mftnchn]

There's a celiac support group in Portland that have a website, and some restaurants posted. PF Changs is close to downtown, and I think the Corbett fish house (almost totally gluten-free restaurant, other than sandwich bread).

Call and see if the hotel has a fridge and a microwave you could use.

I am from PDX but haven't been back there since going gluten-free, so next winter when I get home for 2 months I'll be on a learning curve too!

[JennyC]

Portland has tons of gluten free shopping and dining choices! I'll post a link to a Portland area blog that has gluten-free links on the right side of the page. Since you'll be in the downtown area, I thought I'd mention that there's a Whole Food's on NW 13th & Couch st so you won't starve!

Open Original Shared Link

[Sweetfudge]

thanks guys!

[celiac-mommy]

If you have time, you must try either the Corbett or Hawthorne fish house (same family owns both). You must order the catfish--to die for (the cod is good too)!!! Then top it off with the gluten-free cheesecake. We were in HEAVEN!! Have fun! It's rainy here right now, but so beautiful-I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!!

[JNBunnie1]

Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, and I'd make a crapload of chicken and pasta salads, because they don't need heating. Can you have dairy? Bring a big thing of plain yogurt with applesauce or frozen cherries mixed in.

[Sweetfudge]

the trip was wonderful! even better was the fact that my coworkers actually concerned themselves with my diet restrictions. its a very big change from where i was working, where people would put glutenous goodies in front of me and taunt me for not being able to eat them.

i couldn't remember the name of the fish house, so we ended up going to McCormick & Schmick's downtown. WOW! It was AMAZING! I had the stuffed salmon, a caprese salad, and a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. i just about died of so much good food! it was seriously so wonderful!!

we ate at the hotel a lot, and the airport too. great experiences, every day! i brought oatmeal for breakfast, but they had a splendid breakfast buffet that i enjoyed instead. was glad i brought snacks though, as the days were long! thanks for all the help. i'm going to have to try corbett's on my next trip out there! i could use a good gluten-free cheesecake!!